Villa Gemma
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2023
Abruzzo
Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, first produced in 1986, represents one of the finest expressions of rosé in Italy. From the renowned Cerasuolo appellation, known for its deep, structured rosé made from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, this wine combines rich dark cherry fruit with spicy, smoky notes. It is fleshy and full, with surprising depth and length, making it a rosé versatile enough for the dinner table. The wine’s complexity and structure garner press reviews often reserved for reds, further solidifying its place in Italian wine history.
VINEYARD
From the San Martino sulla Marrucina vineyard, at 1,200 feet above sea level, the Montepulciano grape is pergola trellised on calcareous clay.
WINEMAKING
After destemming and pressing, the must is macerated with the skins for 24 hours before racking and fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is bottled in March following the harvest.
VINTAGE
The 2023 growing season in Abruzzo faced significant challenges, with heavy rains in May and June leading to widespread downy mildew. The fungal disease spread rapidly, compounded by muddy soil that prevented access for treatment. This resulted in an estimated 40% drop in production, with some vineyards experiencing losses exceeding 70%. Despite the difficulties, winemakers remained hopeful, with salvaged grapes producing high-quality, fresh wines. This vintage was notably smaller than recent vintages.
TASTING NOTE
A deep cherry-hued Cerasuolo of real substance, opening with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and lavender with a mineral undercurrent. Round and juicy on the palate with bright acidity, red berry and cherry fruit, and a long, spiced finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled salmon, roasted chicken, pasta with tomato-based sauces, charcuterie, and aged pecorino.
Color
Rose
Blend %
100% Montepulciano
Appellation
Abruzzo
Alcohol
14%
Suggested Retail Price
$27
Reviews
Vinous - May 17, 2024 "Vividly ripe strawberries, mint leaves, lavender and hints of spice form an enticing bouquet as the 2023 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore blossoms in the glass. It's soft and soothingly round, showing the lifted quality of the vintage, with a core of licorice and cherry-berry fruits that resonate throughout. The 2023 cleans up beautifully, long and potent with lingering concentration. Sweet tannins add a pleasant, youthful tension."
Wine Enthusiast -
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Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Abruzzo Bianco
Abruzzo Bianco
While the Villa Gemma Montepulciano was the wine that announced Abruzzo to the world, the Bianco, created just a year later, further defined what the region and grapes of Abruzzo could produce. This wine, first released in 1985, speaks to the white grape varieties specific to the region and has become on of the most exciting wines produced at the estate.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Started in Gianni Masciarelli's grandfather's basement, Villa Gemma is the wine that announced Abruzzo to the world, showcasing what the region and grapes of Abruzzo could produce. Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is the only Italian wine with 14 consecutive Tre Bicchieri awards and, more importantly, was the wine that established Abruzzo as capable of making truly distinct, extraordinary wines. Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is a powerfully - almost undeniably - intense wine of character and complexity, with deep fruit and earthy, spicy secondary charachteristics that could only come from the Montepulciano grape in Abruzzo.
